TERROR IN SOESDYKE
Man shot and killed wife, her mother and sister
Critically injured brother
Killer battling for life after






Man shot and killed wife, her mother and sister
Critically injured brother
Killer battling for life after
American oil company Hess Corporation remains confident that the success of the Stabroek Block underscores the need for at least10FloatingProduction, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshoreGuyana.
Guyana’s continued importance in Hess’ global oil portfolio reflects the exceptional productivity of the Stabroek Block, where Hessholdsa30%stake.The block is operated by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, which holds a 45% interest, while China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) ownstheremaining25%.
In its 2024 Annual Report, the company stated, “At the Stabroek Block, offshoreGuyana,weandour partners have discovered a significantresourcebaseand areexecutingamulti-phased development of the block. We currently have three
FPSOsproducingandplanto have eight FPSOs online by the end of 2030, with a total expected production capacity of approximately 1.7 million gross barrels of oilperday(bopd).”
Located about 120 miles offshore, the 6 6-millionacre Stabroek Block is estimated to contain 11.6 billion barrels of oil, according to government figures. Production began in December 2019, following theinitialdiscoveryin2015.
Todate,EMGLhasreceived governmentapprovalforsix projects in the Stabroek Block: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru, and Whiptail The company has also submitted applications for two additional projects, the Hammerhead and Longtail, bringing the total to eight developments, pending approval.
However, Hess believes, “Thediscoveredresourcesto
One of the FPSOs currently operating in the Stabroek Block
date on the block are expected to underpin the potential for up to ten FPSOs.”KaieteurNewshad reported that while Exxon and CNOOC have both declared that their total recoverable Stabroek Block estimate falls below 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), Hess had
disclosed that their figure exceeds the less-than-11billion-barrels-of-oilequivalent figure shared by the operator of the block. Moreover, the recent arrival of a fourth FPSO, One Guyana, was also announced. This vessel will join Liza Destiny, Liza Unity,andProsperity,which together currently produce about 650,000 barrels of oil per day With a design capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, One Guyana is expected to boost daily production to 900,000 barrelsonceoperational.
Earlier this week, Japanese shipbuilder MODEC announced it had beenawardedthecontractto build a second FPSO for
ExxonMobil Guyana, this time for the Hammerhead project, its seventh development, which is still awaitingapproval.
ThisFPSOisexpectedto start production in 2029, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day The Hammerhead contract follows MODEC’s ongoing work on the Errea Wittu FPSO for the Uaru project, the fifth development in the block.
Last year, Dutch shipbuilder SBM Offshore was awarded the contract to construct Jaguar, Exxon’s sixth FPSO. To date, SBM hasdeliveredfiveFPSOsfor Guyana, including Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity,andOneGuyana.
Notably, Hess is still in themidstofanacquisitionby USenergygiantChevron,in a US$53 billion deal approved by Hess shareholders, but is facing arbitration in court to come upinMay ExxonMobil and CNOOCfiledforarbitration attheInternationalChamber of Commerce in Paris, arguingthattheyhavearight of first refusal over Hess’ stake Despite this, Hess expressed confidence that themergerwouldproceedas planned.
A 30-year-old man was on Wednesday remanded to prisonfortheallegedmurder of a businessman during a robbery
Troyden Trellis, of Lot 28 Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice, is accused of fatally shooting 53-year-old Hemchand Utam at his business place, located at his home at Lot 119,EdinburghVillage,East BankBerbice.
Trellis appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Michelle M a t t h i a s H e w a s represented by attorney Akim Lampkin The indictablechargewasreadto himincourt,andhewasnot required to enter a plea. He was subsequently remanded toprison.
During the hearing, the police prosecutor informed the court that the investigation was complete, butrequestedthreeweeksto disclose evidence to the court The magistrate granted the request and
transferred the case to the N e w A m s t e r d a m Magistrate’sCourt.Trellisis expectedtoreappearthereon May19,2025.
The tragic incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. onApril17,whileUtamwas conducting business at his home. Police reported that whilehewasdoingbusiness, a man pounced on him and said,“Givemethemoney.”
A scuffle then ensued, whichresultedinthesuspect dischargingaroundfromthe firearm he was armed
The suspect fled the scene, leaving an injured Utam behind The victim was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where hesuccumbedtohisinjuries while receiving treatment. The suspect then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery
Following a series of failed attempts to acquire information on the oil and gas sector from the Ministry ofNaturalResourcesandthe Office of the Commissioner of Information, prominent A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, ChristopherRam,hasserved bothofficeswithapre-action notice.
Ram, in a statement to the media on Wednesday, explainedthatthepre-action notice was served to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson SC, regarding their failure to comply with requests made under the Access to Information Act 2011.
Ram’s requests, originally submitted in December 2021, sought access to critical documents related to the signing of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement
Vickram Bharrat
signed by the Coalition Government, including the January 2020 report prepared by Clyde & Co
regarding the 2016 Petroleum Agreement; the Escrow Letter referenced in the Bridging Deed dated June 29, 2016; information on payments made from
Charles Ramson
public funds to Clyde & Co and details of public expenditures relating to EscrowArrangementsunder theBridgingDeed.
More than three years have elapsed since the request was first made to both Bharrat and Ramson, however,bothhavefailedto
The cause of death for 17-year-old fisherman Vishaul Parmanand has been ruled “undetermined” due to the advanced state of decomposition of his body, according to a post-mortem examination conductedonTuesday.
Parmanand,ofCottonTreeVillage,West Coast Berbice, was reported missing on April 8, 2025. His decomposing body was found nine days later on the foreshore of KendallsVillage,Corentyne,Berbice.
The post-mortem was conducted by Government Pathologist Dr V Bridgemohan in the presence of police officers. According to a police statement, “At the conclusion of the examination, the cause of death was recorded as undetermined, due to the state of decomposition. The pathologist, however, indicatedthathesawnosignsoffoulplay.”
Thebodyhassincebeenhandedoverto relativesforburial.
Parmanand and another fisherman, Daniel Inshanali, were reported missing
after their boat was discovered drifting off the coast near Tain Beach, Corentyne Inshanali remains missing, and the search continuesmorethantwoweekslater
Providing details of the incident, Parmanand’s father, Mohindranauth, told policethatonMonday,April8,around11:00 hrs, he and his son travelled to Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, where they purchased a new boat and engine. “My son expressed interestinusingtheboataftertheenginewas installed,”hestated.
He added, “Both men then filled up the boatanddepartedCrabwoodCreek,heading toRosignol,WestCoastBerbicebysea.”
When the boat failed to arrive by 17:00 hrs that day, Mohindranauth attempted to contact his son but received no response. The following morning, around 10:00 hrs, hewasinformedthattheboathadbeenseen drifting near Tain Koker, Corentyne. The engine was still attached, but the two men were missing Investigations into the incidentareongoing.
provide any response to these requests. Ram, in his pre-actionletter,stated,“The information requested relates to the expenditure of public funds and is of continuingnationalconcern. Continued failure to comply isnotonlyastatutorybreach but also an affront to the transparencyobligationsthis Actwasenactedtouphold”.
BharratandRamsonnow have 14 days to provide a substantive response and written explanation for the delay before legal proceedingscommence.The planned court action will seek declarations of statutory breach, mandatory orders for disclosure, and potentially personal costs against the officials for deliberate evasion of their statutoryobligations.
Ram reiterated the
importance of these documents for the public’s understandingofagreements made by the former government related to Guyana’s oil resources, which represent significant national assets and involve substantial public funds. It should be noted that Ram just concluded three weeks
o f p i c k e t i n g t h e
C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information’sOfficeonEast Street, Georgetown. He was joined by a number of o rg a n i s a t i o n s a n d individuals who called on Ramson to perform his duties or vacate the Office. A group of protestors had e v e n s h a r e d t h e i r
testimonialsinattemptingto access information through theOffice.
Last week, Vice
President Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters that President
Ali should determine whether Ramson should be sackedfornon-performance. Hesaid,“IthinktheOfficeof the President would have to examine this, but knowing that group they are intenselypoliticalandIthink they just want to create this airthatthegovernmentisnot beingopen.”
Sufficientgrounds
During the final picket exercise on April 11, 2025, International Lawyer, Melinda Janki, in a submission read by Sherlina Nageer, said there are enough grounds for the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f I n f o r m a t i o n t o b e disqualifiedfromoffice.
Jankiexplainedthatheis expected to be independent of the executive and impartial in discharging his duties.“Hemustalsobeseen to be independent and impartial.Butthereisreason
to doubt the independence and impartiality of Mr Charles Ramson Sr, ” she urged. The Lawyer pointed out that Ramson was the Attorney-GeneralofGuyana under a previous PPP/C administration.“Assuch,he was the Government’s principal legal adviser He was,andmaystillbe,loyalto thePPP/C.Hemayevenbea member of the PPP/C party
Thecommissioner’ssonisa ministerinthecurrentPPP/C Government.Whichfatheris going to act against the wishes of a government which has the power to determine the success of his son’s political ambitions? That question taints every d e c i s i o n t h a t t h e commissioner makes and undermines public trust in thisimportantpublicoffice,” Jankireasoned.
The lawyer therefore said,“Thesepoliticalfactors constitutesufficientgrounds based on principle to disqualify Charles Ramson Sr fromremaininginoffice, irrespective of how he performshisfunctions.”
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
DearEditor,
I am writing to bring attention to a serious matter involving the Suriname Embassy and the Guyana Ministry of ForeignAffairs.
In a letter sent to the Ministry, the Suriname Embassy falsely accused me ofhumantrafficking.
This accusation is completely untrue and has caused me significant distress.
WhenIattemptedtoobtainacopyof this letter from the Ministry, the Ministry assured me that they would provide it. However, they failed to follow through and never gave me the
document, despite my repeated requests. I am deeply concerned about the false accusation and the lack of transparency from those involved. I hope this matter is taken seriously and investigatedthoroughly
Regards AnthonyPantlitz
Theongoingstruggletogetthegovernmenttobemore transparentwithitsmanagementoftheoilsector,andalso ensuringtheCommissionerofInformationisaccountable tothepeopleofthiscountry,arejustmanifestationsofan administrationthatactsasiftheresourcesofthiscountry belongtothem.
We have said here in the past that no government, no politicalparty,andnoleaderofanykindownsthenatural resourcewealthofthiscountry Itdoesn'tmatterwhatitis, oil or gold or bauxite or timber, as we have in such bulk, they don't own anything, nothing belongs to them. The wealth of this country, all of its resources, are the inheritanceofallitspeoples,andallofit.So,letthatbeput tobedinthecleanest,simplestofterms.
Governmentsandpoliticalparties,andleadersdoown something,though.Theyowntheresponsibilitytogovern andleadhonestlyforthebenefitofallthecitizenswhoput them there to run things for them. Governments and politicalpartiesoweaduty,haveatotalobligation,tothe people to do right by them. It is through a number of things, the sum of what they do, that they fulfil what is their mandate, given to them by the people. That is, managethewealthproperly,watchoveritlikeahawk,and get the best for the people. The best is not for them and theircronies,whichiswhathashappenedherefortoolong andtoooften.
Thebestarenotthoseoutsiderswhocomeheretograb asmuchastheycangetandascheaplyastheycangetit. Thebestisforthosearoundtoday,anditmustbehandled so prudently that much of the benefits of oil and other wealthareretainedforfuturegenerationstoparticipatein and enjoy their fair and rightful share of their national patrimony
Forsomereason,most,ifnotall,ofthishasfailedto penetrate the twisted minds of governments of Guyana and the men and women who form the leadership teams thatmakedecisionsforus.
We have spoken of corruption and the inestimable costs of those who shorten what should come to the people.Corruptionsstillrageuncontrollably,andwiththe arrival of oil, the situation in Guyana has only gotten worse,ifthatcanbeimagined.Ithadbetterbebecausethat is what is causing us so many problems, why so many leadersaresostrungoutfromhavingtheirfeetheldtothe fire, and being forced to come up with honest answers, whichisthelastthingthattheywanttodo.
Foraplacerewardedwithsomuchbywayofnatural resources, the latest of which are these discoveries of massive quantities of oil, we ought to be in a far better place.
Lookatleaders,andthereisthesourceofthisnation's problem that just will not go away Crookedness is their firstandmiddlename,deceptionandfailuretheirtitlethat accuses them. Their falsehoods fuel more failures in an endless cycle, and it is all because they are so greedy, so inclinedtodowhatiswrongandbadforthepeople,while misusing and abusing the power given to them by the people.
Afterthelongestwaitandthelastingspeculations,oil isnowhereinGuyana.Already,theworsthassurfacedin them, from the previous APNU+AFC Coalition to the presentPPP/CGovernment.Itistiringanddisgustingand enraging, as to what they have done with this oil, how poorly they have taken care of its fruits.All this must be madeknowntothem,andinthemostunsparingmanner
Wemustcallourleaderstoaccount,forthisisnottheir wealthtohaveandtoholdontoforthemselves.Thisoilis ours and we, the people, must never let them forget that, andwemustmakethempayfortheirmanymistakeswith it.Wemustconfrontthemandcompelthemtocomeclean.
DearEditor,
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) thanks the U.S. for its constructive input, analysis and perspectiveonGuyana.Thereisalways room for improvement, and we should allobjectivelyembracetheperspectives ofouralliesandpartners.Anyreporton ournationprovidedbyourpowerfuland more capable allies is welcome. It also gives us an opportunity to make improvementstostrengthenthelawand
DearEditor,
order, business environment and tourism growth in our nation. The currenttravelrestrictionsplacedbythe U.S. on our nation is reflective of the U.S. government's perception of the internalsecurityofGuyana.
Ourlaw-and-ordersystemisinneed of urgent attention, and we must avoid dismissingtheinputofourverycapable allies. Instead, we should work even closer with the U.S. to bring about the neededchanges.Thecriesofcorruption
in our society have been extensive and consistent Itshouldbeofnosurprisethat theUS governmenthasechoedthecall of our citizens for improved law and order Thoseinofficeandtheopposition mustembracetheimportanceoftheUS government's perspective and take clear stepstowardsimplementinganeffective strategytostrengthenthelawandorderin ournation
Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the state of the rice industry and several decisions over the last four (4) years under the stewardship of Mr Zulfikar Mustapha, who pretendstobeaMinister,but the reality reveals he is a Minister in name only Mr Mustphahasdoneverylittle intellectually, strategically, and policy-wise to help the agriculturesectorinGuyana. The PPP would have been muchbetteroffifithadmade Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, Mr Badrie Persaud, or Mr IndarDeodattheMinisterof Agriculture.
If one deeply observes the happenings in the Ministry of Agriculture, underMr Mustapha,itisone failure after another and this has cost the PPP and His Excellency the President muchpoliticalcapitalwitha vital voting population WhatIamseeingisastrong pivot to Team Mohammed by many farmers and sugar workers, and it is reminiscentofthetimewhen the AFC took 33,000 votes from the two main parties severalyearsago. Iforeseea repeat of that situation, and one of the principal contributors to this state of affairswillbeMr Mustapha. Today, on this rice issue, with all due respect, it appears that Mr Mustapha lacks a certain degree of foresight and strategic conceptualization on the solutions to these matters. All we got was another emptypressreleasefromthe Ministry with no concrete ideas to mitigate the challenges. Thepeoplewant to harvest their rice, they wanttosellittothemill,and
they want their money; end of story? How difficult is that for anyone to understand?
While I understand that leadership requires making difficult choices, the bottom line remains, over the last 4 yearstheweatherpatternhas become extremely unpredictable and thus the harvesting period was alwaysunderthreatofbeing ambushed by unfavourable weather, and less than favourable drying conditions, but how many mechanical batch dryers havetheMinistryinvestedin for the farmers? This is the answer Why not a cooperative system with communal harvesting machines owned by the Government for each region to help the smaller farmers gettheirriceoutontime?So the small farmers are still stuck with the system of depending on the bigger farmers to cut their rice, and the ancient technology of using pavement drying which is exposed to any adverse weather conditions. This system has been in placeforover100years,and nothing is being done to improveit.
Plus, GRDB has failed thisnationinitsmarketingof our rice. In his 2024 Budget speech the Hon. Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh made this comment:
“Among our main exported commodities, sugar and rice prices rose 26.6 percent and 26 8 percent, averaging US$0 52 per kilogramme and US$553.7 per metric tonne, respectively, largely reflecting the effects of the o n g o i n g E l N i ñ o phenomenon in top producing countries, and
trade restrictions by a top exporter.” Soweknewsince early2024thatthericeprices went up, and that was the trigger for a larger output fromaricesectormadeupof many private farmers. After all, who does not want to make money by planting more rice to make more money? What did the Ministry do to keep up with themortoguidethemalong? Where are the new markets forthisrice,orthenewwetweather drying facilities to support the farmers and the millers?
UnderMr Mustapha,the Ministry did very little to guide the farmers to better protect themselves, and thus we can safely say, the Minister abandoned his duties to the farmers. His gross incompetence seemed to have created unintended negative outcomes and hindered our progress as a nation. This is a lose-lose situation. The farmer loses, the PPP loses, the economy loses–noonewins.
Similarly, the approach takenwiththesugarindustry underMr Mustaphahasseen some GYD$ 13 billion transferred to the industry, and as of April 2025, I am advisedthatthe"potofcash" hasbeendepleted. Therains are here, and the sugar crop remainsopen? Iamadvised thatMr Mustaphainstructed the Corporation to keep the crop open and pay the workersforcomingtowork, do nothing, and return the nextday Howmoresillycan Mr Mustaphabe?
Insuchasituation,under Mr PaulCheong,whoisalso a politician, the sugar industryissettolosecloseto GUY$18 billion in 2025.
L o o k o u t f o r t h e
SupplementalPaperfromthe MinisterofFinancewhenhe approaches the National Parliament for another GUY$7 to GUY$8 billion more for GuySuco very soon.
Editor,myintentionhere isnottocriticizeforthesake of criticism, but rather to offer a perspective based on my observation and how, because of Mr Mustapha, thiscountryissettoloseover GUY$30billionin2025asa result of his poor managementoftheportfolio. I believe that a more thorough analysis of potentialramificationsanda greater consideration of diverse viewpoints could lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. But this can never happen once Mr Mustapha is at Regent Street.
Movingforward,Iwould respectfully suggest a more collaborative approach with the farmers in decisionmaking The technical leadershipintheMinistryof Agriculture is lacking, not because they are not there, but because of the micromanaging of the system by Mr Mustpha and his sidekick, Mr. Madanlal Ramraj. Today, all these technicians are doing is providing answers to the questions asked rather than proactively planning for any consequences in the agriculturesector
Butitistoolatenow,the elections are here, and the farmershavenochoicebutto eat their losses. Clearly, the Ministry needs new leadership; the damage created by Mr Mustapha willtakeyearstocleanup.
Sincerely, MrsEmilyLorrimer
Matters concerning the environment are not given the same attention as non-environmental matters
DearEditor,
"The Earth is God's gift to us, full of beauty and wonder, where the fruits of the Earth belong to everyone."–PopeFrancis.
One of the most disquietingissuesassociated with international days is their inability to galvanise support beyond their niche audience. The same is also true for Earth Day, which is commemorated annually on April 22. Of course, there will always be the official functions, where the media is invited and the speeches are on target. However, in some instances, after the media returns to their respectivemediahouses,the passionandworkalsofades.
Regrettably, matters concerning the environment are not given the same a t t e n t i o n a s n o nenvironmental matters
Oftentimes, some of the biggest abusers of the environment are state agencies. Unfortunately, in circumstanceslikethese,the sanctions are often lukewarm, and this message reverberates within and outside environmental circles. In other words, the sanctions do not serve as a deterrent. In many quarters, the burning of garbage has beennormalized.Manyofus do not see the connection between our own practices and the impact they have on t h e e n v i r o n m e n t Environmental abuses are pervasiveandpermissiblein manyquarters.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator, Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues Ralliestookplaceacrossthe country and, by the end of the year, the U S government had created the Environmental Protection Agency By1990,EarthDay was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries aroundtheglobe.
Nelson was concerned
about the deteriorating environment in the United States Consequently, in January 1969, he and many otherswitnessedtheravages ofamassiveoilspillinSanta Barbara,California.Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009. The Day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity's common home and the need to protect her to enhance people's livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity
Climate change, manmade changes to nature, as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destructionoftheplanet.
Each year on April 22, theinternationalcommunity observes Earth Day This year's theme is Our Power, Our Planet. This theme encourages people to take action around renewable energy and demands rapid deployment of renewable energy sources from governments,industries,and businesses. The campaign alsoaimstotripletheglobal generation of clean electricityby2030.
Climate Crisis and Gender-BasedViolence
Oftentimes, there is a tendency to discount the impact of the climate crisis on gender-based violence. The UN Spotlight Initiative has reported that climate change is intensifying the socialandeconomicstresses that are fuelling increased levels of violence against womenandgirls.
The report finds that e x t r e m e w e a t h e r,
displacement, food insecurity, and economic instability are key factors increasing the prevalence andseverityofgender-based violence.
Theseimpactshithardest in fragile communities, where women already face ingrained inequalities and are more vulnerable to assault.
The Spotlight Initiative, aglobalpartnershipbetween the European Union and the United Nations, works to eliminate all forms of violenceagainstwomenand girls The most recent findings of the Spotlight Initiative emphasise that climate solutions must address rights, safety, and justice if they are to be effective or sustainable. In order for this to succeed, women must also be part of the decision-making process.
The Way Forward Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action Nature is suffering Our oceans are being polluted
re becoming more acidic Additionally, extreme heat, wildfires and floods have affected and continue to impactmillionsofpeople.
International Mother Earth Day is set aside to encourage education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. On the point of education, much moreneedstobedoneinthis area.
Every school should haveanenvironmentalclub. In fact, environmental studies should be a timetabled subject at both the primary and secondary levels. How can society be
d Mathematics (STEM) yet ourstudentsarenotafforded the opportunity to see the linkageswithSTEMandthe environment?
Undoubtedly, limited access to environmental education can hinder the development of sustainable practices. Governments can
and should do more Governments should implement policies and monitor programmes that promote sustainable practices, reduce pollution, and address social inequalities.
Oftentimes, the abuse of the environment is rooted in the socio-economic conditions of the experiences of individuals. Environmental problems like pollution and climate change disproportionately a ff e c t v u l n e r a b l e populations, creating social and economic challenges. Conversely, socioeconomic factors like poverty and inequality can exacerbate environmental problems through unsustainable practices. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a holistic approach that considers both social equity and environmental sustainability Poverty frequently leads to reliance on resource-intensive practices, like deforestation for fuel or unsustainable agriculture, to meet basic needs.
Additionally, rapid u r b a n i z a t i o n a n d industrialization can lead to increased pollution, waste, and resource depletion Raising public awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviours are crucial tools in ensuring that the next generation can have a better world.
The issues concerning Earth Day require a collaborative approach to fix. It is only when this is donethatwewillwitnessthe attainment of the United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGoals.
May this year's Earth Day be one of soulsearching, action and heightenedenvironmental (Continueonpage6)
it’s leadership
DearEditor,
I have taken note of the Attorney General's recent remarks.Letmesayfromthe outset: speaking the truth about state violence is not immaturity It is leadership grounded in principle and dutytothepeopleofGuyana.
In 2012, the people of Linden endured a national tragedy Citizens were shot and killed while protesting peacefully In response, a Commission of Inquiry (COI) was established in 2013. That Commission, under the PPP government, made several serious and urgentrecommendations:
That an independent investigative authority be established to investigate policekillings.
That the Guyana Police Force review its operational protocolsontheuseoflethal force.
That the perception that police were acting under political instruction be addresseddirectly
That specialised approachesto crowd control be developed and implemented.
Notasingleoneofthose recommendations has been implemented Instead of strengthening trust between the State and the people, the government ignored the COI's findings And the result?ThepeopleofLinden, onceagain,hadtheircitizens shot and killed by police under strikingly similar circumstances. This is not
just a failure of policy—it is afailureofpoliticalwilland moralresponsibility
The people of Linden have not forgotten. They w e r e p r o m i s e d accountability once. They will not be fooled again when the same police force, unchangedandunrestrained, continuestoexecutecitizens withimpunity
I, like many Guyanese, stood in solidarity with their call for justice. And today,I
o political scoring, but to the principle that no life should belostwithoutanswers,and no government should escape responsibility for failingtoprotectitspeople.
Mr Nandlallmaywishto dismiss these concerns with insults and distraction. But the people of Guyana are wiser than that. They know whatmaturitylookslike:itis thecouragetospeaktruthto power,tostandwithvictims, and to demand change, not justinwords,butinaction.
Ourcampaignisfocused on the future—one where clean governance, accountability, and respect foreverycommunityarenot up for negotiation. I stand with Linden. I stand for justice. And I stand by my words. BetterMustCome–United Guyana, Fair and Free.
Regards, NigelHughes Presidential Candidate, AllianceForChange
The body of one of the Fredrickstwins,wantedfora series of armed robberies, was discovered on Wednesday in a clump of bushes, with gunshot woundsabouthisbody
According to a report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 23-year-old Kellon Fredricks was found m o t i o n l e s s a t Onderneeming, Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast. He was found facing downwards in an open area surrounded by tall bushes. The body was examined, and a scorpion tattoo was seen on his left chest. Suspected gunshot wounds were found on the right side of his head and upper back Additionally, suspected blood was found aroundhisface.
Policesaidthebodywas clad in a pair of long black damaged jeans, a longsleeved grey jersey, and a grey Hanes boxer. A yellowish metal wristwatch was found alongside the remains.
Police also found a blue, cream, and brown strip single mattress, several emptysnackpacks(bigfoot, tortilla, Carmel, kiss cake amongothersnacks),one(1) live round of 7.62 X 39 ammunition, two (2) cards of Panadol tablets and
several pieces of clothing, about(30)feetfromthebody inthesoutherndirection.
In addition, about ten (10)feetawayfromthesaid area, there were several pieces of clothing, sheets, empty snack packs, and a smallemptypot.
Also found next to the body was a pair of grey rubber slippers, a black ski mask, and a grey cap with suspectedhumanblood.
Frederick's body was later escorted to the Suddie Hospital, where it awaits a post-mortem examination
The body was seen and examined by Dr Matinee Singh, a General Medical Officer (GMO), who pronounced him dead on arrival.
TheGPFonFriday,April
11, 2025, reissued a wanted bulletinfor“notorious”twin brothers Kellon and Kevin Fredricks, in relation to a series of armed robberies and murders committed betweenDecember2023and January2024.
Thepolicestatedthatthe brothers committed the offences in Region Seven in the Arimu, Sandhill, Oku and Aranka communities. They also committed offences in Sandpit, Region Two.
In addition, Kellon was also wanted for the murder of Zaheer Sheriff and DonovanWashington. Theirlastknownaddress waslistedasOnderneeming, Sandpit, Region Two and Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
DearEditor,
I would like to remind my fellow Guyanese of the most important values that they need in any effort that we make to achieve the best of our lives, for our own good, for the good of our countrymen, and for the developmentofourcountry.
Among all the efforts to attain this, apart from the physical, communal and political,themostimportant that would make a lasting result in all the areas of our
lives are the moral, which should be at the root of all our efforts in this personal development.
It is so sad to realise that wecanseenovalideffortsby so many of those in our families,inourcommunities, inourschools,andamongour leaders to act accordingly, as well as instil moral values among those for whom they areresponsible I believe that if it were not for the teachings of the religions which are practised
Frompage5 awarenessforeveryone.Itis indeed our planet, and we have the power to sustain MotherEarth.
by a small portion of the members of our society, it wouldbedevoidofgoodness and be one of chaos and division
Iamthereforeaskingfor some support in a recommendation I am now proposing that moral educationbeincluded in the curriculaatallstagesofour system, from kindergarten toteachertraining
Director of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD), Al Creighton, has expressed concern over the limited recognition and support for theatre arts and traditional Guyanese culture within the academicsphere.
Creighton made the remarks during the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO'sworkshoponthe Ratification of the 2003 Convention on Intangible CulturalHeritage,heldatthe Herdmanston Lodge on Wednesday
Thethree-dayworkshop is being facilitated by UNESCO's Global Expert, David Brown, and aims to enhance efforts to safeguard Guyana's intangible cultural heritage.
Inhisaddress,Creighton stressed the urgent need to revive traditional Guyanese practices and elevate the status of theatre arts in schools.
He emphasised that Guyanese traditions are dyingamongtheyouth.“We arefacingmajorthreats,and these have faced major threats over recent times. Some of these threats have comefromwhatsomewould regard as the more progressivedevelopmentsin modern society,” he explained.
“One of the main tasks that faces this particular attempt at preservation is catching the attention and catching the imagination of theyouth.
We have to get that attentioninordertohaltthe marchofthedisappearance of so many items of cultural heritage, ” Creightonstated.
going to get a response that sees these as three equal subjects in the academic arena,”Creightonexplained.
H o w e v e r , h e a
n
wledged the intellectual and cultural demands of the subject, which includes intense researchandputtingcultural forms into performing arts. Heexplained,“Oneexample ofthisistheringgames.And the ring games become important because we are dealing with something that isfadingaway.Ireallydon't know whether children in Guyana still go out and practice these ring games, but they do represent a part of the cultural heritage that seemstobefadingaway.”
Some schools don't have a roomtheycanusetoconduct thesethings.”
He further noted that such recognition of the subject also requires a change in societal perceptions.
“Theotherthingisnotso easily achieved, which is to change people's mindsets, that theatre arts is equal to chemistry as an academic subject, and that students should be encouraged to do it,”Creightonexplained.
Join the global movement to restore our world! In the words of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mother Earth is running a fever Last year was the hottest ever recorded (…). We know the cure: rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissionsandturbocharging adaptation to protect ourselves and nature from climatedisasters.Gettingon theroadtorecoveryisawinwin.
To show how this would impact on the livelihood of our people, I list the various values which should be included in this system –Honesty in all our dealings, Equality of everyone, Respect for rights of others, Integrity in our actions, Adherence to the Law, and the Conscience with which we are all endowed from birth
(Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policiesastheyaffectculture andorgenderissues.)
Sincerely, WayneCampbell
I hope that I can influence most of our people to follow this movement, by which we can improve our country in allareas
Sincerely, RoyPaul
While acknowledging the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate's (CSEC)inclusionofTheatre Arts as a subject, Creighton lamented its lack of traction among stakeholders “In introducing, for example, a subjectknownastheatrearts in the whole range of subjectstaughtbystudentsin the secondary schools, the theatre arts programme in theseschools,I'mafraid,has notwongreatapprovalfrom stakeholders.
I mean, parents, teachers, students, school administrators, and so on. The importance of the theatre arts subject does not seemtobetotallygraspedby thegeneralpopulation.
I would imagine if you mention the subject theatre arts against chemistry or against history, you're not
Creighton also pointed that the use of social media and technology can further obstruct Guyana's cultural
h e technological age, the new
y powerful social media, have hadadevastatingeffectupon the survival of intangible cultural heritage in Guyana, and clearly in other parts of the Caribbean and the world.”
In an interview with Kaieteur News, Creighton outlined what steps the education sector could take to reverse this trend: “The governmentcouldmakesure that the schools put it in the regular timetable, so they can provide time and secure spaces where classes and performances can be held.
Meanwhile, UNESCO's h e a d o f c u l t u r a l programmes, Yuri Peshkov, commended the workshop and emphasised the critical role education plays in preserving Caribbean heritage.
“The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recommends the importance ofbeingcarefulofthedriver of cultural diversity in the worldthatwelivein.”
Hesaidspecialemphasis lies in the educational protection of Caribbean heritage, as they play an importantroleintheconduct o f s a f e g u a r d i n g , maintenance, and recreation oftheintangible.
Peshkov added that the potential ratification of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention is a critical step forward in acknowledging the importance of safeguarding this precious heritage on a national level and thereby contributing to advancing national sustainabledevelopment.
The Wales GTE could offer much to energy-starved Guyanese, but only if it proves capable of delivering. A project of this crucial nature, one with a bill as big as currently stands, ought not to be something cloaked in haze
Guyanese have learned to their dismay that when there is political leadership fogginess, there is usually some expensive foolishness with their money There is proof from past PPPC Government projects- those that had Jagdeo’s backing from promising beginnings right down to their mysterious ends. Also, although Guyana is rolling in more money than it ever had, US$2B is not card or dice money. We are clear and consistent in our position: let Guyanese see what they are going to get for their US$2B
A proper leader, a project initiator and director who trusts himself, one who has confidence in what he is selling to citizens, would already have had the documents for the Wales GTE laid in parliament. Jagdeo is seemingly lacking in something somewhere with this project. So, he has no option but to resort to what has served him for a time in the past, only to bring him into discredit later. He resorts to secrecy, to buying time, and to making senior comrades in the PPPC Government look less than satisfactory
Government-nominated commissioner Clement Rohee and his opposition
counterpart Vincent
Alexander went head-tohead on Monday over the preparedness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to host general and regional elections later thisyear
The two appeared on the online GlobeSpan 24x7 programme, each defending what they believe is the readiness or lack thereof of GECOM to effectively host the polls. According to Rohee,GECOMhasarobust structure that will ensure there is no recurrence of elections 2020. He said the commission is operating within the confines of the law and will not allow the emotions of any advocacy group or individual to overridethoselaws.
“In looking ahead, it
would seem to me that GECOM is well-positioned to ensure that its constitutional mandate is fulfilled to the best of its ability We are serving there to ensure GECOM fulfils its mandate in accordance with thelaw,boththeconstitution andtheRepresentationofthe People Act (RPA). I do not wanttoseeGECOMengage in any act that is unconstitutional because that may invite trouble,” he toldonlineviewers.
But Alexander argued that GECOM is, in fact, in trouble, and while it may be preparingforelections,ithas not done what is required to ensure a free and fair process.
He cited the issue of registration,which,basedon a judgment by the court, prohibits GECOM from removing the names of persons from the Official
List of Electors (OLE), exceptforpersonswhohave died. He said the current continuous registration is building on a database that was established in 2008 and argued there is no mechanism in place for the deletion of names of Guyanese who have died overseas.
“Iwillcontendthatthatis in the tens of thousands. So, when people refer to a bloated list, what to a large extent they are speaking about, particularly, are dead overseas Guyanese who are inthetensofthousands,and GECOMhasbeenextremely lethargic in confronting those questions, which, in fact, I have placed on the agenda.”
Defending this stance, Rohee contended that the claims and objections process, which is also ongoing, allows family
members to indicate, with proof,thatsomeonehasdied. In fact, he said the question of the bloated list is not exactly what is being described because “if you havecontinuousregistration, personscanmakeclaimsand objections for persons who have died, and then a particular process is kicked in regarding deletion. So, there is a process for the removal of names.” In the instancewhereapersonmay have died overseas, Rohee said a relative will inform GECOM and the General Registrar’s Office about the death. “That can happen. Maybe it will not happen on mass as Mr Alexander would like to see it happen, butitisnottosaythatitdoes nothappen,”hemaintained.
Questioned by the host, Dr AsquithRose,whetherit wasnotprudentforGECOM to carry out new house-tohouseregistrationafter2020 toensureacleanvoters’list, and why GECOM could not accommodate biometrics to allow for free and fair elections, Rohee charged
Vincent Alexander Government commissioner, Clement Rohee
that the issues raised are ‘highlycoincidentalwiththe viewsoftheAPNU-AFC.
He said the opposition has been manoeuvring to either delay the elections or postpone it altogether by virtue of its emotions. He emphasised that elections must adhere to the rule of law,andnotfeelings.
“ W h e t h e r i t i s constitutionalorwhetheritis the Representation of the PeopleAct, let us be guided bythelaw Ifthecourtrules,
we must abide by what the court says. If the electoral laws say the elections and registration should be conducted in a particular manner, irrespective of whatever advocacy we engage in, our advocacy cannottakeprecedentabove the law Advocacy must always be done within the meaningofthelaw GECOM has never done anything i l l e g a l l y o r unconstitutionally,” Rohee debated.
He said Alexander must tell Guyana why the advocacyheisengagingin
Continued on page 15
The PPP is running scared. But it's not scared of the opposition. Not really It's not even scared of the small parties The independents. The aspiring politicians with two Facebook followers and a dream No, the PPP is terrifiedofshadows.Andit's looking in all the wrong places.Likeamanchecking under the bed for burglars whilethethiefwalksoutthe frontdoor
ThePPP'sparanoiaisoff thecharts.Itsmellsdefeatin the breeze. Sees sabotage in every side glance. It has become authoritarian in its instincts. Intolerant of dissent.Hostiletoscrutiny. Ask the private media. They'll tell you. Sections of thepressthatoncedefended democracy now find themselves on the PPP's blacklist. Why? For doing theirjobs.Becauseevenfair criticism now counts as treason in Freedom House's book. But it wasn't the media
that hurt the PPP It wasn't thecritics.Thebloggers.The letter-writers.ItwasthePPP itself. The party created its own monster And the name of that monster? The revitalizedPNCR. Yes. The PNCR.Aparty thatwasonlifesupportafter 2020. Until Bharrat Jagdeo decidedtohostweeklypress conferences. He thought he was weakening the opposition.Whatheactually did was give it CPR. Jagdeo draggedthePNCRbackinto relevance. He gave them visibility. Gave their arguments air. Week after week. Clip after clip. Every soundbitemadeitswayback into the PNCR base. And theylappeditup. The angry base became angrier as Jagdeo became more belligerent The demoralized base became ener
PNCR strongholds, from being d
mora
zed became galvanized. In the last local government elections, they
didn'trollover Theyheldon to their municipalities and did so handsomely One municipality was swept clean by the PNCR. And Jagdeo has only himself to blame.Hispressconferences wereagifttotheopposition. Buthekeepsgiving.Hecan't stop. Won't stop. And it's costingthePPPdearly
Now the PPP is in a panic. Again. The PNCR is no longer in the wilderness. It's back in the game. So every single vote counts. And this is where the PPP's paranoia gets worse. Suddenly, everyone is a threat.ThePPPisgoingafter all potential threats. With venom. With vengeance.As if each one holds the key to thePPP'sdownfall.Butthey don't.
Becausetherealthreatis not the small fry It's not the lone voices or the third parties. It's the people with money. Yes, the PPP's biggestthreatisnotpolitical. It's financial. It's the PPP's own backers. The business
Atragic act of
d o m e s t i c
v i o l e n c e unfolded on Wednesday nightinWaiakabra,alongthe Soesdyke-Linden Highway, leavingamotherandhertwo daughters dead and her son criticallyinjured.
The deceased have been identified as 25-year-old Maline LaCruz, her mother Waveney LaCruz, and her sister Sueann LaCruz Maline's brother, Seon LaCruz, survived the attack but is currently hospitalised in critical condition after sustaininggunshotwounds.
The suspect in the triple
murderissaidtobeMaline's husband, Ramzan Ramdial, agoldsmith. Hereportedlyconsumed a poisonous substance and, up to press time, was in a critical condition at the hospital Kaieteur News understandsthatheallegedly opened fire on the four victims at their residence beforefleeingthescene. In a heartbreaking twist, Maline had publicly spoken out about her abusive relationship just three monthsprior
In a Facebook post sharedinJanuary,shewrote, “6yrs 7 months living with
elite. The same ones who fund their campaigns. The sameoneswhosmileintheir faces. Shake their hands. Toast their achievements Then write cheques for the other side Because the business class doesn't believeinloyalty Itbelieves in insurance. And when the race looks close, they hedge their bets. They prepare two envelopes. The bigger one goestothePPP Thesmaller one to the PNCR. Just in case.Theywanttobeonthe right side. Whichever side wins. It's smart. It's cynical. It's business. And it's dangerous.
Because that second envelope could make all the difference. It can pay for a
Campaign jerseys. It can mobilize a base that was already re-energized The PPP should know this
They've benefited from those same envelopes. But now they have to wonder Are the hands that fed them feedingsomeoneelse,too?
That'swherethebetrayal lies.Notinsmallparties.Not the independents. Not in critics.Notinthemedia.But in the manicured hands of their own financiers. The ones who sip champagne at state functions. Then fund the next campaign to unseat them.It'spoetic.ThePPPfed thetiger Nowitwatchesthe tiger feed the enemy. And there's nothing it can do. Because it needs the tiger too.
Because you can't fight the business class.You can't expose them Can't drag them through the mud Becauseyoustillneedthem. Stillneedtheircheques.Still need their media houses. Their billboards. Their TV stations. So the PPP lashes
out at the easier targets.The defenceless ones The independentcandidates.The critical journalists. The lone voices. It bullies the weak becauseitfearsthepowerful. And that's the tragedy The PPP sees enemies everywhere except the ones who actually pose a threat.Theonesinsuits.Not shirts. In air-conditioned boardrooms. Not street corners. The PPP is chasing ghosts. While the real traitors toast their profits. Andwritetheirnextcheque. With a wink And two envelopes.
(Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Dem boys hear a good one from inside de maternity ward. Four man was in de hospital waiting fuh hear how much mouth dem gon got to feed.Allofdemnervouslikemanwhoowe GRA.
this individual and this is whatlhavetofaceeventhoI ran for my life he keeps coming after me. He keeps abusing me mentally emotionally physically and verbally
At this point this is my lastoptiontogethelpandto get out of this abusive relationship and to get my childrenawayfromhim.”
Thewomanhadattached CCTV footage to show the abuse she suffered at the handsofherhusband.
The investigation is ongoing and more details will be provided in a subsequentreport.
De nurse walk in and tell de first man, “Congrats! Yuh getting twins!” De man smilewidelikehewinlottoandseh,“Da'sa big coincidence! I wuk at Twin Cab Company!” Dem boys seh he already planning two baby car seats and two matchingbottlewarmers.
She turn to de second man and seh, “Congrats! Yuh getting triplets!” De man nearlyfaintbutmanagefuhseh,“Wellwha yuh know! I wuk at 3D Company!” Dem boyssehhestartdoingmathsfuhseeifbaby milkgotdiscountinbulk.
De nurse look at de third man and seh, “Congrats! Yuh getting quadruplets!” De
mannearlyrunout,butpauseandseh,“Well this real strange—I does wuk at Four Seasons Hotel.” He done already call HR fuh see if baby bonus include hotel towels androomservice.
But de fourth man? He holding he head andbeatingitagainstdewalllikeifspirittek over De nurse seh, “Sir, what happen to you?”
De man holler, “Ow lawd! I wuk at 7UP!”
Dem boys seh dem nurse run fuh bring heoxygenandpanadolonetime.
So dem boys seh, be careful where yuh wuk... 'Cause if this coincidence thing real, yuh might end up wid more pickney than salary
AndifyuhwukatCentury21orEleven ElevenRestaurant,juststartstockingupon pampersfromnow!
Talkhalf.Leffhalf
Itcouldbesaidwithaccuracythatthecat is now out of the bag. But, when what now sees some light was a running public secret, thenboththecatandthebagdonotmatteras much. Kind of moot, I would say On the other hand, if it was said that the US ‘buss’ Guyanabag,thenmoreGuyanesecouldnod in agreement, for that is so much closer to local reality How else to interpret the “deeply entrenched illicit drug trade” in Guyana?
The bad news is that all the air just went out of the chief advocate’s defences. To his credit, he tried. To compound his anxieties, he had a porous hand, a bad hand, a rancid hand, a nothing hand, and he knew it. The Demerara Waves article of April 22, 2025, captioned,wentafarwaytogiveupGuyana’s ghost: “US says corruption in law enforcement agencies snarl drug, money launderingprobes.”
For starters, the Demerara Waves article waskind:“USsayscorruption….”. Massive “corruption” is more like it, as the US reported. IurgeGuyanesetoreadthisextract from the 2025 US Int’l Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) for themselves. “Corruption in Guyana, however, poses a
significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking. Corruption within law enforcement, bribery, and nepotism in the public sector and political entities further complicate the fight against drug trafficking. Authorities often drop charges or never file them and do not conduct serious investigations; traffickers are able to evade prosecution.”
Every phrase in that report is loaded. From corruption-generated “significant obstacles” to the involvement of “law enforcement” and “nepotism in the public sector and political entities”, the broadest brush was swept across Guyana, and tarred andfeatheredthiscountry Many Guyanese already know and see, and appreciate what the INCSR said. The scale of it is still staggering, and the futile local attempts at cover-up by the government and state agencies,evenmoreastounding. Nowitisall in the open. When the premier national law enforcement agency is sidelined, virtually shamed by its dismissal, in a major interior drugbust,thereisnotmuchlefttosay When silence reigns, and the utterly stupid follows in the wake of that bust (and others elsewhere),itisnotsomuchwhoiscovering
forwhom,butthemagnitudeofthenetwork that is being protected. Of note is that stinging one that reaches high and deep: “nepotism in the public sector and political entities.” Whoever needs help identifying “political entities” in this context is slower thanI,livingintheirownlimitedworld.
Those“politicalentities”thatarepartand parcel of “deeply entrenched” corruption haveoneorigin,withthepoliticalopposition havingnostarringrole. Bysubtraction,that leaves only one owner for the “deeply entrenched” corruption and the US-affixed “nepotism.” The corruption culture and practicearesorootedandsowidespreadthat mainly mules make headlines, while the masterminds get to move and spend their dirty money Ask any big-talking politician with the proper powers, and they will argue about how many policies they have in place and how many busts have been executed There is silence, though, on the intellectual authors behind the lucrative drug trade and money laundering networks. Family is family, whether biological or political Corruptionmeansprotection. Corruptionhas its elevations (Guyanese should know how highandtowhom) Thenagain,thatmaybe too difficult to pinpoint, since corruption in Guyanaislikeanoctopus,withmanypowerful tentaclesthatcutdeeply Everybodyhastheir fronts,theirblocks,theirbagmen(collectors), andtheirreadydefences
Trythesetests. Howmanyrealdrugand money laundering bosses have been snared, charged,andhauledbeforethecourts? How many are donors to political groups? How many are quiet friends of those in charge of politicalentities? Howmanyflimsydenials about the depth of the drug trade and associated corruptions come from high
o f f i c i a l s (political entities)?
What about those hollow postures from senior, like-minded and handpicked public servants, who are part of the corruption posse? How many prosecutions of high-level offenders, or extraditions? The scrap iron man disappeared, drugs from Guyana reappeared in bulk in Europe, and a ranking law enforcement man was rechanneled to guard what amounted to a waiting scrap iron yard (laidupvehicles).
Forthosewhowantmore,theINCSRhad it. Charges dropped, charges never filed, seriousinvestigationsajoke,andthentherest of the boiling Guyana ant’s nest. In another country,somethingofthisscalewouldcause atoppling. Thisisnotaboutthemanywings of law enforcement; it is about those who selectthem,andputtheminsensitiveplaces, sothedrugcouldrollout,thecashrollinand around, and those involved rolling in the booty If I were the chief lawman or any of theseniorsnearhim,Iwouldkeepmymouth shut to avoid embarrassment. I had said before that the flush of oil news and gush of oilcashgoafarwayinobscuringthedrugand money laundering industry in Guyana. It is sobigthatitgivesoilarunforitsmoney And thoseresponsibleareafitwiththatUSreport. I wouldn’t worry, though. Soon enough, all will settle back to normalcy, and it will be business as usual. Public sector business. The business of “political entities.” And, of course, the drug and money laundering business in which the other two enterprises aresointimatelyrelated.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflecttheopinionsofthisnewspaper.)
With the construction expected to be completed
shortly, Minister of
E d u c a t i o n P r i y a M a n i c k c h a n d h a s
announced that the new St. Mary’s school building located on the corners of Brickdam and Camp Street, Georgetown, will become
the new Brickdam SecondarySchool.
Speaking at the opening launch of the National STEAM Fair 2025, the education minister said on Wednesday that by the new academicyearinSeptember, it is expected that 20 new secondary schools will be opening. “I was saying to s o m e o n e o n l y i n Georgetown, we have built and are going to be opening shortly, the new Christ Church Secondary, the new St. George’s Secondary, the new St. Mary Secondary, which I will let you in to a secret now will become the new Brickdam Secondary,” sheannounced.
Regarding the current Brickdam Secondary, due to the initial school building being in a deplorable condition, the students and staff were relocated to the East La Penitence Primary Schoolbackin2016.
Kaieteur News had
reported that in 2023, the ministry had signed six contracts totalling $560.7M to construct the St. Mary’s Secondary School building. It was disclosed at the time that the brand new building willbeathree-storeyfacility, with the upper flat of the building accommodating 10 classrooms,whilethesecond flatwillhouse12classrooms along with a Teachers’ Staffroom and a sanitary block.Thelowerflatwillbe equipped with six
laboratories(labs),including
Economics, and Industrial Technology, a canteen and the auditorium and is set to caterforsome600students. A
d
ng
he minister,withthebuildingof new secondary schools taking place across the country, her ministry has been working tirelessly to have these pr
s completed in time for the new school term. “But we
The injured motorcyclist who was in an unconscious state
motorcyclist Aand a pillion
rider were injured on Wednesday after they were involved in an accident at Fourth Corner, Parfaite Harmony, West BankDemerara(WBD). The incident occurred between13:00hand13:30h. A video circulating on social media captured the aftermath of a serious
minibus, a motorcyclist, and a pillion rider The footage shows the front bumper of the minibus badly damaged, with the motorcycle lodged beneath. The motorcyclist was still lying on the bike in an unconscious state, with his left foot pinned underneath themotorcycle.Inthevideo, the motorcyclist and pillion rider were observed without helmets.
The new St. Mary’s school building on the corner of Brickdam and Camp Street, which will become the new Brickdam Secondary School.
The injured pillion rider
pushed,andweareataplace where by September of this year, we will be opening at least 20 new secondary schoolsacrossthiscountry,” shesaid,addingthatbymidnext year, they would have achieved universal secondary education across Guyana.
Manickchand, in her remarks, said that access to education has changed significantly She disclosed that since the 2000s, the country has achieved universal access to primary education, which was declared by the United
Nations She noted, however, that with nursery educationnotcompulsoryin Guyana,thecountrystillhas thehighestenrollmentrateof nursery children in the CommonwealthCaribbean.
“We’vealwaysstruggled with access to secondary education, and the reason we’ve struggled is because our geography is very different from Caribbean islands, and I say islands, because we’re a country,” she pointed out. It was said by the minister that the cost of a school in the hinterland is almost five times the cost
of a school on the coast because of geography and logisticsfortransportationof goods.
Despite this, she disclosedthattheministryis still pushing to have these projects completed and not only that, but “access to education,ahigherqualityof education, a more varied education, is what we’re settingabouttoachieveright here.”
“All over this country in RegionOne,we’recurrently building five secondary schools, in Region Seven we’recurrentlybuildingfour secondary schools, in Region Eight we’re currently building three secondary schools, in Region Nine, we’re currently building seven secondary schools, two of w h i c h w e r e j u s t commissioned by His Excellency the President (Irfaan Ali) over the Easter weekend, in Region Six we’re building a secondary school at Orealla-Siparuta, on the East Bank we’re extending the Diamond Secondary School and buildingoneatProspectand one at Kaneville,” she explained. Notably, they are extending significantly the HopeSecondarySchooland rehabilitating theAnnandale Secondary School on the EastCoastofDemerara.
The pillion rider, though conscious, appeared to be injured Public-spirited citizens were seen assisting the injured passenger before emergency services arrived. Police were already on the scene,andanambulancewas summoned to attend to the victims.
According to police, no fatalities have been reported in connection with the incident.
PresidentDr Irfaan
Ali accepted the L e t t e r s o f Credence from the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Yang Yang, on Wednesday Guyana formally established diplomatic relationswithChinaonJune 27, 1972, becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to build ties with the EastAsiancountry
Three police officers were remanded to prison on Wednesday when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’Courttoanswer ajointlarcenycharge.
The defendants were identified as 26-year-old Grenville Harris of Lot 59 South Vryheid’s Lust East Coast Demerara (ECD), 25year-old Latchman Singh of Lot 120 Belladada West Bank Demerara (WBD) and 39-year-old Floyd Pellew of Lot 161 Housing Scheme West Coast Demerara (WCD), who are all serving members of the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF).
Singh was separately charged for assaulting Akeem Fredericks on August 8, 2024 at the same policestation. They were not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge of larceny Singh pleaded not guilty to the assault charge and was granted$25,000bail.
During the court proceeding, the prosecution
The officers appeared before Senior Magistrate FabayoAzore, who read the charge,whichallegedthaton March 13, 2025, at Ruimveldt Police Station, they stole 400 grams of suspectednarcoticsvaluedat $360,000.
objected to bail due to the likelihood of the accused obstructing the course of justice and interfering with witnesses. It asked that the courtsetanexamplethatwill deter officers from committing a similar offence.
The prosecution said the defendants, on the day in question, tampered with and removed 400 grams of suspected narcotics that had beenlodgedattheRuimveldt Police station in the strongbox. The matter was subsequently reported, and an investigation was conducted, and advice was sought from the Director of
PublicProsecutions(DPP).
The prosecution further detailed that Sergeant Johnson observed that the seal was broken and four of the parcels were missing from the box.The suspected narcotics initially weighed 4 9 kilograms; on said occasion, it weighed 4 5 kilograms.
The prosecution added that there is CCTV footage showing that Pellew removed the suspected narcoticsfromthestrongbox and handed them to Singh and Harris, who then went into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) room. Subsequently,
The three Police ranks charged for allegedly stealing narcotics.
theyreturnedthebag,which contained the suspected narcotics.
Singh and Pullew were represented by attorney Patrice Henry, who pleaded their case. He told the court that his clients are corporals in the GPF and at the time, they were stationed at the Ruimveldt Police Station attachedtoCID.
He said the matter was filed as indictable, but the DPP instructed that the charge be disposed of summarily
A t t o r n e y H e n r y indicated further that his clientsarebeingchargedfor items that have not yet been
confirmed and are being referred to as suspected narcotics. He requested bail and reassured the court that hisclientsarenotflightrisks. Harris was represented by attorney Eusi Anderson. He told the court that his clientisaconstablewhowas also stationed at the said location. He said his client denies the allegations made and requested reasonable bail. He reassured the court that his client is not a flight risk.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Azore remanded themenuntiltheirnextcourt appearance, scheduled for May14,2025.
Motorcyclist slams into parked car while avoiding collision with another vehicle The aftermath of the accident
Amotorcyclistwascapturedonaclosed-circuittelevision (CCTV)cameraswervingtoavoidavehiclethathadstopped on the roadside. In the process of avoiding a collision, the motorcyclistcrashedintotherearofaparkedvehicleinfront ofYong’sBakery,Vreed-en-Hoop,WestBankDemerara. AvideocirculatingonsocialmediaonWednesdayshows themotorcyclistandapillionridersustaininginjuriestotheir bodiesaftercrashingintotherearofaparkedvehicle. Accordingtotheownerofthedamagedvehicle,thematter has been resolved, with the motorcyclist agreeing to compensateforthedamages.
Farm workers wanted for Highway location preferablefromInterior.Contact: 655-0471/673-7652.
ExcavatorOperator&Cook toworkintheinterior.Call: 695-6401.
Staff - Male & Female to work in office , age 18 - 30 years, Campbellville, Georgetown.Tele:621-5140.
Pressmantoprinton Offset machine, age 18 - 30 years, Campbellville,Georgetown. Tele:621-5140.
GeneralDomestictoworkin
theWestMinisterarea,one day per week. Call: 6833417/646-7400.
Experienced Salesgirl to workataboutiqueatParika Market every Sunday (attractive salary). Call: 6582980/685-6796.
Job openings: Truck drivers,Excavatoroperator, ACTechnician&Health& safety officer Apply via Whatsapp:689-1111/6082114.
One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere.Call:649-0956.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, musicsystem,alarm,reverse camera, spoiler, crash, low mileage PTT Series (first owner).Call:649-0956.
LeylandDAFtruckforsale. Contact:676-6165/693-9843
FORSALE1-SkidSteer,3Cement Mixer Trucks, 2Forklifts,1-ModelMTruck, 1-TMTruck#652-0251/6329929/650-0402
For Sale 6 used American madeDentalchairsexcellent condition contact Mr Vino on661-3030or626-8918
LargeBreedGermanShepherd Mix for sale. Call / Whatsapp:648-0111.
5DAF85TwinsteerDump trucks.Call:632-1788/6261403.
Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada,UKETA.626-7040.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 6190007,629-5526.
After months of delay, governmentsaiditwillfinally table the Oil Pollution, Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility
Bill 2025 in the NationalAssembly next Monday
The bill establishes a modern and comprehensive legalframeworktopreventoil spills, enhance national preparedness, ensure timely and effective response, and hold responsible parties accountable for damages caused, the DepartmentofPublicInformation(DPI)reported. Theproposed legislation, referred to asthe‘OilSpill’Bill,wasoutlinedbyAttorneyGeneraland Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, duringhisweeklyprogramme ‘Issues in the News’ onTuesday evening.
With the expansion of Guyana’s oil and gas industry, a strong legislative system is needed to protect the environment and ensure everyoneinvolvedinpetroleum activitiesoperatessafely,DPI said. “This bill ensures that every person and or entity involvedinanypetroleumactivities, including drilling, exploring, producing, storing,handling,transportation ofpetroleumproducts,oiland
Kitchen assistant needed. FormoreinfoCall:676-5534/ 618-3696.
Pastry Maker, Roti Cook & Cashies, send applications to Roti Hut, 18 North Road Bourda. Call 227-4949 ext 1137/656-7686.
MaidforEastBankarea.Call: 615-9132.
Drivermustbeabletoassist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50,Car/Vanlicence.Call: 615-9132.
Able-body male. attractive salary.Contact:661-1000.
Female domestic $5000 labour $6000-7000,semi skilled worker $70008000,skilledworker$800012,000toworkatVreedEnHoop#6825230,6154414
Cashiers, Sales representative, Shelf Restockers, Porters&bondClerk.Contact: 609-2995, email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com.
Vacancy “Auto body Work“1 crash repair “2 filling & Prep“1 Painter“1 Detailer (buff/ Polish)“ExcellentPay“Contact:645-3776
gas, et cetera, shall be held to the highest standards of operationalsafetyandenvironmental responsibility.”
“The bill also enshrines liabilityforthosewhomaybe responsible for any form of oil spilling or any negligent oil operations that lead to damagesofanykind,”heexplained. The bill specifically protects the right of ordinary peopleorcommunitiestotake these companies to the High Courtiftheirproperty,livelihoods, or the environment they depend on is harmed. The bill was crafted in keeping with international standards for the petroleum industry,reflectingitsmodernness and effectiveness. “You willrecallthatittookquitea while in preparation and that’sbecauseofitscomplex nature and because of the carethathadtobeexercised whentreatingwiththisbill. Once the bill is laid in the NationalAssembly…itwould becirculatedwidely,”MinisterNandlallnoted.
Back in December last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed optimism about the bill being tabled, despite telling reporters at one of his weekly press conferences that the Attor-
ExxonMobil is producing approximately 645,000 barrels of oil per day in Guyana
ney General’s Chambers had been “very delinquent” in completing the final draft of the legislation. “I’ve been pressing them… they’ve been very delinquent at this but I’ve been pressing them to get this done, because we made certain commitments that we want this tabled before the end of the year,” Jagdeo had said.
While providing updates on the oil and gas sector and plansforthenewyear,Jagdeo explainedthattheAG’soffice has had some challenges.
TheOilSpillActisaimed at ensuring that the country is protected during the transportationofcrudeoil.Jagdeo, in the past, had said that the legislation, once in place, wouldcoverGuyanafrom“all sorts of liabilities.” The Bill will not only cover oil spills intheexplorationandproduction area offshore, but it will also cover the transportation of petroleum products and petrolandfoodaswell.“Soif there’s any mishap, boat accidents that we have seen in some countries, it means that we’llbecoveredheretoo,and itwillspeaktocleanup,itwill speaktocompensation,itwill speak to restoration, which are critical areas in dealing with (the sector),” Natural
ResourcesMinister,Vickram Bharrat had told a news conference last year The minister said back then that the government was satisfied with the level of safety, the level of precaution and the operation of the operator offshore and their operations.
Concerns over protection
There have been growing concerns over what stakeholders say is the inadequate protection for citizens and neighbouring countries should an oil spill occur offshore. The Institute for EnergyEconomicsandFinancial Analysis,inacolumnbackin 2023,hadpointedoutthatthe islands located within the path of a potential oil spill fromtheGuyanaprojectproduce more than US$140 billion of economic activity annually, largely based on the maritimeandtourismsectors.
International Financial Analyst Tom Sanzillo explained that these countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, by virtue of the source of such revenues cited, face financial risks from an oil spill in Guyana.Currently,theoperator of the Stabroek Block is producing approximately 645,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) at three Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Notably, the vessels are all producing above nameplate capacity, sparking safety concerns about the operations. ExxonMobil and partners have since lodged a US$2billionoilspillguarantee to provide additional resources to cleanup and compensate if its limited US$600 millioninsurancefailstosatisfy those demands.
This newspaper recently reportedthatanoilspillinthe StabroekBlockcouldhitparts ofGuyana’sshorelinesbefore
the much-talked-about capping stack arrives at the blown-out well to plug the leak. According to information publicly available and recently confirmed by an ExxonMobilteam,the93,000poundpieceofequipmentwill take “several days” to arrive at its destination. Permits issued to date by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)indicatethatExxonhas up to nine days to ensure the capping stack is deployed.
The renewed Liza One PermitstatesatSection9.13, “ThePermitHoldershallmaintain access to at least one (1) subscription service, in a location outside of Guyana, to allow mobilization of a Capping Stack to the Liza Phase 1Projectlocationwithinnine (9) calendar days or less of an uncontrolled well event.” A similar provision is included in the five other projects approved to date by the regulator. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by Exxon’s consultantindicate,however,that an oil spill could hit the shores of this country before the capping stack arrives at a blown-outwell.Notably,this heavy piece of equipment is used to stop or redirect the flowofhydrocarbons,allowingengineerstopermanently sealthewell.Oilspillmodeling,accordingtoExxon’smost recent EIA conducted for its seventhproject,theHammerheaddevelopment,statesthat an oil spill could hit Region One in as little as a day, depending on the time of the year the event occurs. The study said modeling predicted that surface oil would generally travel toward the northwest in all scenarios duringbothmodeledseasons -June through November, and December through May
The Hydrometeorological Service is urging citizens across Guyana to prepare for a wetter-than-normal rainy seasonfromMaytoJuly2025,withthelikelihoodoffrequent flashfloods,hottertemperatures,andasurgeinmalariacases, especiallyinhinterlandregions.
According to the agency’s seasonal climate outlook, all regions, except for parts of southern Regions Six and Nine, shouldexpectabovenormalrainfall.Theforecastwarnsofan increase in wet days and wet spells, with some areas likely to seeover70rainydays,especiallyRegionsThreeandTen. “Ahigher-than-usualnumberofwetdaysandwetspellsis expected across all regions. Surface wetness is projected to peakduringthisseason,”Hydrometsaidinitsforecast.
Notably, only Regions One and Seven are likely to escape themostextremerainfallevents.
With fewer dry days and shorter dry spells, the hydromet office has flagged the risk of flash flooding, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas. This will be worsened by above-normal daytime and nighttime temperatures, which couldmakerain-freedaysfeeluncomfortablyhotandhumid.
In addition to flood risks, the agency warns of public healthconcerns,particularlyahigherprevalenceofmalariain hinterland communities, driven by increased mosquito breedingduetoprolongedwetconditions.
The temperature outlook shows that North Rupununi (Region 9) and Tacama Savannah (Region 10) could see daytime temperatures exceeding 32°C over the three-month period.
The agency said, “Please be guided by the daily weather forecasts and updates provided by the National Weather Watch Centre for any changes relating to atmospheric conditions. For further location-specific seasonal data and information, kindly contact Komatchand Dhiram, the specialist meteorologist at 225-9303 or kdhiram@hydromet.gov.gy”
A 35-year-old vendor was placed on $75,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to answertothreecharges.
The defendant, George Chase of Lot 47 Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, was charged with allegedly threatening his customer Leon Williams on January 31, 2025, at London Street, Georgetown. He was also charged with allegedly using abusive and threatening languagetowardWilliamson the same day at the said address.
Chase pleaded not guilty afterthechargeswerereadto him by Senior Magistrate FabayoAzore.
The prosecution objected to bail since the defendant had threatened to kill Williams,causinghimtofear forhislife.Theyaddedthata WhatsApp audio recording wasmadewiththethreats.
TheMinistryofHomeAffairswillsoonbeconstructing living quarters in Mahdia, Region Eight to accommodate members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who are stationedthere.
The project, which attracted 13 bidders, was recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office and is estimated to cost$94,190,240.
Notably, the ministry had also tendered for the procurement of medical supplies for the Guyana Prison Service, the procurement of a motor-bus, and the procurementofnewlandandwatertransport.
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:
Ministry ofAgriculture
Construction of Phase Two Laboratory at Hydrometeorological Department.
Fisheries Department
Supply and Delivery ofAquaculture Cage Mesh forAquaculture Cage Project.
Guyana Marketing Corporation
Supply, Delivery & Installation of Four Temperature Control Fans at CPE, Sophia, Georgetown.
Defendant George Chase at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court posting bail
Ministry of Public Works
Consultancy services for NeedsAssessment Capacity Building and GrantAssistance for micro small and medium enterprises – Linden to Mabura Hill.
Ministry of HomeAffairs
Procurement of Medical Supplies, Guyana Prison Service.
Procurement of Land & Water
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
Supply, Installation & Commissioning of Online Uninterrupted Power Supplies.
Civil Defence Commission
Provision of Security Services for CDC Offices 2025-2026.
&
Williams told the court that he would regularly support Chase’s business, and they only come in contact when he goes to the stall.
released Chase on $25,000 bail for each of the three charges, totalling $75,000. The matter was adjourned untilMay21,2025.
( ALJAZEERA) Israeli attacks on Gaza kill at least 45 and injure more than 100 on Wednesday, medical sources tell Al Jazeera, and the death toll continues to mount from overnight strikesontheenclave.
Meanwhike, Far-right Israeli minister Itamar BenGvirhasclaimedthattopUS Republican lawmakers support bombing “food and aiddepots”inGaza.
Thestatement,madeina social media post on Wednesday, came after the Israeli national security ministersaidhehadmetwith “senior Republican Party officials at [US President
Donald] Trump’s Mar-aLagoestate”inFloridainthe UnitedStates.
“Theyexpressedsupport formyveryclearpositionon how to act in Gaza and that the food and aid depots shouldbebombedinorderto create military and political pressure to bring our hostageshomesafely,”BenGvirpostedonXinHebrew
TheUSpresidentwasnot attheevent,accordingtohis publicschedule.
Ben-Gvir’s post did not specify which Republicans were in attendance
However,Ben-Gvir’soffice told Israeli media that Republican Congressman
Tom Emmer, considered to bethethird-highest-ranking memberoftheUSHouseof Representatives, was among the lawmakers present
The Times of Israel and the Jewish News Syndicate wereamongthenewsoutlets that cited Ben-Gvir’s office in reporting Emmer’s presence, which also appearedtobeconfirmedby videooftheevent.
The congressman has been one of the leading voices in the US Congress supporting Israel amid the war in Gaza, and has regularly said that Hamas, and not Israel, was to blame
An 11-year-old girl was allegedly abducted Wednesday afternoon, during a swimming outing at Double Day Hotel, located at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
The missing girl has been identified as Adrianna Younge. The incident occurred between 13:00hrs and 14:00hrs, while the child was with her grandmother and other relativesduringtheouting.
In a statement, police said ranks in Regional Division #3 are investigating a reportofanallegedabductioncommittedon Younge.
Investigators visited the scene at about 15:30hrs. According to the police, around 13:02hrs, Adrianna went to Double Day Hotel pool to swim with her grandmother, Carol Xavier, who stated that at around 13:10hrs,shegaveAdriannamoneytobuya bandtoswiminthepool.Shortlythereafter, Adriannaenteredthepoolwithhersiblings. Sometime after, the grandmother called to get her family out of the pool when it was discoveredAdriannawasmissing.
Thefamilylaunchedasearchinthepool and hotel but without success. The matter wasthenreportedatTuschenPoliceStation. Uponarrivalatthescene,thepolicesearched further in and around the hotel, including rooms, a store room, the yard, and the roof, but they came up empty-handed. Several cameras were seen attached to the building. However, when asked to view them, the manager indicated that they were not in workingorder
The Command Centre in Regional Division #3 was contacted, and footage showed that Adrianna entered a Red and Black Raum motor car bearing registration number PSS 4684, which drove off in an easterly direction heading towards Vreeden-hoop.
Information was received about the registered owner, who, when contacted, claimedherentedthecartooneOrlando(no lastnameprovided)sincelastweek.Checks weremadeforthesaidOrlandoatanaddress providedbythecarowner,butOrlandowas notcontacted.
Trace of the vehicle from Georgetown
for the high rate of civilian deaths in the Palestinian enclave.
AspokesmanforEmmer didnotreplytoarequestfor comment from Al Jazeera regarding the Mar-a-Lago visit and whether the congressman supported Ben-Gvir’s position on attackingfoodandaidsites.
To date, the Health Ministry in Gaza has said at least 51,300 Palestinians have been killed since the warbeganinthewakeofthe October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, during which at least 1,139 people werekilled.
Israeli attacks, aid block continue
A resident of an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, he has calledfortheresettlementof
Gaza and glowingly endorsed Trump’s plan to forciblydisplaceresidentsof thePalestinianenclave.
He initially resigned from the government of Israeli Prime Minister
Missinggirl: Adriana Younge
Command Centre around 20:58 hrs showed the vehicle is in Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara at ‘White Shop shortcut’. Police areinpursuitastheinvestigationcontinues.
Meanwhile, during an interview with Kaieteur News, Amecia Simon, the mother ofthemissingchild,sharedhowshelearned about her daughter's disappearance. She explainedthatshereceivedaphonecallfrom the child’s grandmother, who said she was unable to find Younge. According to the grandmother, Younge had been in the pool and had reportedly come out The grandmotherthenwenttogetsomefood,but when she returned to check on Younge, the childwasnowheretobefound.Asearchwas immediatelylaunched,butYoungecouldnot belocated.
Policewerethensummonedtothescene.
The mother stated that police informed her that surveillance footage showed her daughterbeingtakenawaybysomeoneina vehicle along the public road in front of the hotel.
She said that the police had launched a search to identify the owner of the vehicle. The police later confirmed that they have obtained a photograph and other details of the suspect believed to have taken the child and assured that they are following every leadtolocatetheindividual.
"Right now my pressure high, I cried so muchlikeIdon'thavewordstosay,"Simon said. Up to late Wednesday night, members oftheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)wereatthe hotelconductingtheirinvestigation.
Benjamin Netanyahu in January, in opposition to a temporary ceasefire deal
Before rejoining the government in March, he called for Israel to cut off electricity and water and to bombaiddepotsinGazaasa six-week pause in fighting reacheditsend.
Israeli attacks have continued after military operations resumed on March 18, with 1,928
Palestinians killed since then.
WhileTrumphadvowed to end the war upon taking office, a lasting ceasefire agreement has remained elusive. Meanwhile, France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemned on Wednesday the ongoing Israeli blocking of aid, food andmedicineenteringGaza. They called the actions “intolerable”.
(ALJAZEERA) More
P a l e s t i n i a n s h a v e succumbed to their burn woundsafteranIsraelistrike hittheirshelterinGazaCity overnight, raising the death toll there to at least 13, with reports of six people remainingundertherubble.
The school-turnedshelter was one of several sites hit in Gaza on Wednesday Gaza’s civil defence said four more bodieswerepulledfromtwo nearbyhomes.
Rescue teams know at leastsixmorevictimsremain trappedbeneaththerubblein Gaza City, but they are unable to reach them, reported Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoudfromthecity “It’s not just their inability to get to the area,” he said. “They lack the heavy equipment neededtoremovetherubble and recover the bodies.” In total, 39 people were killed and 105 injured across the territoryinthepast24hours, theHealthMinistryreported. The latest attacks came as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas to release the remaining Israeli captives in Gaza.Hamas,whichgoverns Gaza and rivalsAbbas’s PA, has said it would release all captives in exchange for a
Palestinians mourn as they carry the body of a child, killed in an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025 [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]
full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to the war –but has rejected Israel’s demandtodisarm,callingita “redline”.
Newceasefirepush?
Despite a monthlong deadlock in ceasefire negotiations following Israel’s resumption of attacksonMarch18,Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh M o h a m m e d b i n Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says Doha remains engaged in talks to end the war. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss a new truce proposal.
Meanwhile, Israel is continuing to block aid, including food and
medicine, from entering Gaza for an eighth straight week. In unusually strong criticism, France, Germany and the United Kingdom called Israel’s blockade “intolerable”.
“Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political toolandPalestinianterritory must not be reduced nor s u b j e c t e d t o a n y demographic change. Israel is bound under international law to allow the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid,” a joint European statementsaid.Sincethewar resumed, at least 1,928 Palestinians have been killed, pushing the total death toll above 51,300, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry
SportsMax - Barbados Pelicans head coach Shirley Clarke is backing his side to fly high as they gear up for the inaugural West Indies T20BreakoutLeague,which bowls off at the Brian Lara CricketAcademyinTrinidad andTobagoonFriday
Clarke expressed confidence in both the preparation and potential of hisyouthfulsquad,whowill open their campaign against host team Trinidad and Tobago Legions in the tournament’s feature clash
onopeningday
“I thought preparations wentwell,especiallythetwo weekswehadattheNational SportsCouncilvenue.Itwas really intense The two practice games we played also went really good ahead of the tournament,” Clarke told Barbados TODAY
ahead of the team’s departure.
Clarke, who has worked closely with several of the players through their development pathways, did not hesitate when asked
about expectations for the league, which is designed to unearth and showcase emerging Caribbean cricket talent.
Along withTrinidad and Tobago Legions, the Pelicans will also cross swords with Guyana RainforestRangers,Jamaica Titans, Leeward Islands Thunder, and Windward IslandsInfernos.
“For sure, it’s to win the tournament. Once we can executeourplans,Ithinkwe have a really good chance,”
hedeclared.
The Pelicans will be led by all-rounder Nyeem Young, a familiar name in regional cricket and one Clarke believes is up to the task.
(Aries Apr24,2025)
Somelong-awaitedrecognition could come your way today You're finished with the hassles you've experienced recentlyandhavenowentered a calmer period. Those who could only criticize before can't find enough words to praiseyou.
(Taurus Apr24,2025)
You have a day of profound reflection ahead. While you maybetemptedtothinkabout how far you've come, your time would be better spent thinkingaboutwhatthefuture holds.
(Gemini Apr24,2025)
Thiswouldbeanidealdayto take extra good care of your body, Gemini Don't kid yourself that those back problems will just go awaydittothatpaininyourknee.
(Cancer Apr24,2025)
You may have recently modified the material aspects ofyourlife.Wasitsufficientto stop there? More profound changes might be in order Takealookatwhatmotivated you to create the life you live now
(Leo Apr24,2025)
This will be a great day to meditate, Leo. You may be a bit dissatisfied with yourself because your various projects have yet to take form. You're impatient, but who wouldn't be?
(Virgo Apr24,2025)
It's an excellent day, but be careful not to go overboard. Youmightbetemptedtothink that mi
difficulties are already behind you
(Libra Apr24,2025)
You're in the home stretch now! Kiss your worries goodbye. Your efforts pay off in spades as people listen to your advice and bend over backward to please you Although certain details in yourlovelifestillneedironing out,it'ssafetocoastforawhile.
(Scorpio Apr24,2025)
Your life certainly seems to revolvearoundhumancontact. You're an outgoing, cheerful, engaging conversationalist who enjoys bringing people together, though lately you've beenyearningtobealone.
(Sagittarius Apr24,2025)
Sometimes friends become a person's real family Your friendships are deep and enduring Manypeopleareeager to give you help today, so why areyoureluctanttoreceiveit?
(Capricorn Apr24,2025)
You'vemadeitoverthehump. You've moved beyond the problemsoftherecentpastand are entering a more peaceful phase.You will complete your projects at work, and your domesticlifewillbethepicture ofblissandharmony
(Aquarius Apr24,2025)
The outlook for today is excellen Thecurrentalignment oftheplanetsandthesomewhat oppressive atmosphere of the past few days inspire you to change your surroundings and visitnewplaces.
(PiscesApr24,2025)
This will be a day rich in reflection, Pisces You're able to observe what is goingaroundyouwhilestill retainingyourdistance.
“Nyeemisagoodleader, greatthinker Ihavenodoubt that he will lead the team well,” Clarke said, pointing to Young’s ability to inspire and guide both with his performanceandleadership.
The squad boasts a
Frompage23
That means we are on the samepage.Youdon'twantit to be that the people in the countrydon'tbelieveinyou. And that's why they're not disappointed They're disappointed because everybody believes in you,” MinisterRamsonsaid.
He added, “As far as the government is concerned, I want you to understand that when people have their disappointments, they have differentwaysofexpressing that.”
He encouraged the athletes to block out the negative narratives being shared about their performance:“Theonesthat arenegative,Ijustwantyou topushthatoutofyourmind. Push that out of your mind because they have never achieved anything significant.Theonesthatare majorly critical don't know whatittakestowin.They've never achieved anything world-class, but they can sit behind a computer and be criticalofsomeofourfinest young athletes and be discouraging to them. And that'snotsomethingIwould everdooreverstandfor.”
P l e d g i n g t h e Government of Guyana's continued support, Minister Ramson stated, “I want you to know, I have your back. The Government of Guyana hasyourback.Thepeoplein this country—there's a good portionofthem—despitethe disappointment, are still wishing you well and want youtosucceed.”
strong blend of experience and exciting young talent.
Kadeem Alleyne, Shaqkere Parris, and Kevin Wickham bringrecentexperiencefrom the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and are expected to anchor the Pelicans’battingunit.Onthe bowling front, West Indies Academy spin twins Joshua Bishop and Zishan Motara add guile and control, while left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds is set to
spearheadthepaceattack.
The Pelicans’ depth continues with dynamic wicketkeeper-battersLeniko Boucher and Dimitrius Richards,offeringversatility in the middle order Also namedinthesquadareShian Brathwaite, Nathan Sealy, andAmariGoodridge,while Junior Sinclair and Sion Hackett are the two overseas-based players rounding out a wellbalancedteam.
Sports Max - The Bahamas continued to reign supreme in Caribbean youth swimming,astheyclaimeda seventh consecutive Carifta Swimming Championships title and their ninth in the past 10 editions, as the curtain came down on the 38th staging of the event at theNationalAquaticsCentre onTuesday
T h e d e f e n d i n g championswererelentlessin the pool over four days of high-intensity competition, toppingboththemedaltable and overall points standings tofurthersolidifytheirstatus as the region’s aquatic powerhouse.
They ended the meet with a commanding 74medal haul — including 27 gold, 23 silver, and 24 bronze, ahead of host nation Trinidad and Tobago, who had23gold,17silverand17 bronze in their 57-medal haul, and perennial rivals Jamaica, who had 56, including 21 gold, 19 silver, and16bonze.
On the points table, the Bahamas amassed a staggering 979 points, well clear of Jamaica’s 795.50 and Trinidad and Tobago’s 735. Interestingly, the top three nations in swimming mirrored the standout trio from the track and field editionoftheCariftaGames — albeit in reverse order — showcasing the region’s balanced dominance across disciplines.
The Bahamas’ strength layindepthandconsistency
across age groups, particularlyinthe11–12and 15–17boys’divisions.Inthe 11–12 boys, Dexter Russell emerged as a standout performerwith56individual points, earning victories in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, and 100m butterfly
Meanwhile, David Singh, representing the 13–14 boys, picked up 43 points with strong podium
finishes in breaststroke and IM events. But it was the older boys where the Bahamianstrulyshone.
In the 15–17 category, while homeboy Liam Carrington dominated with 79 points, Bahamas remainedhighlycompetitive with a string of top-five finishesthatkepttheirmedal countrising.
The girls’ division also
The Bahamas continued to reign supreme in Caribbean youth swimming.
delivered standout performances across several age categories. In the 11–12 girls division, Sapphire ParksofSt.Luciatoppedthe age group with 65 points, claiming victories in multipleeventsincludingthe 100mand200mbackstroke, 200m butterfly, and 400m IM.
Right behind her was KaijaEastmondofBarbados
with 62 points, making her markinthesprintbackstroke and butterfly events
Jamaica’s own Kai Lawson wasn’tfaroffwith58points, earning medals in freestyle, backstroke,andbutterfly.
In the 13–14 girls division, Reagan Uszenski oftheVirginIslandsputona freestyle clinic, dominating mid- and long-distance events to rack up 64 points.
However, Skyelar Richards ofJamaicawasarguablyone of the most electric performers of the meet — earning 61 points and smashing the Championship recordinthe50mbackstroke with a time of 29 87s, breaking her own record from prelims. She also led the pack in 50m and 100m events across strokes and finished as one of Jamaica’s topmedalcontributors. Meanwhile,inthe15–17 girls division, Cayman Islands’ Sierrah Broadbelt ruledthepoolwith56points, shining in butterfly, backstroke, and IM events. Her technical prowess and racemanagementwereakey part of Cayman’s strong fourth-place finish overall. Heidi Stoute of Barbados impressed with 51 points, dominating the distance freestyle events, while Zuri Ferguson of Trinidad and Tobago tallied 45 points behind strong record breakingbackstrokewins.
Reuters - Luka Doncic scored16ofhis31pointsina dominating first quarter and added 12 rebounds and nine assists as the Los Angeles LakersevenedtheirWestern Conference first-round playoff series with a 94-85 victory over the visiting MinnesotaTimberwolveson Tuesday
LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds, Austin Reaves scored 16 points and Rui Hachimura had 11 as the No. 3 seed Lakersreboundedfroma22point loss in the series opener Saturday Game 3 is Friday in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves went 2-0 against Los Angeles in the regular season.
Julius Randle scored 27 pointsandAnthonyEdwards added 25 for the No. 6 seed Timberwolves, who shot 38 percent from the field after shooting 51 2 percent in Game1,whentheywerealso 21of42from3-pointrange. Minnesota hit a season-low five 3-pointers on 25 attempts in Game 2 and scored its fewest points this season.
Los Angeles roared out to a double-digit lead less than seven minutes into the game. The Lakers were up 34-15 at the end of the first quarter, shooting 55 percent while holding Minnesota to 27.8percent.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes to the basket between Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Mike Conley (10). (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
The Lakers led by 22 points in the first half and wereup58-43athalftime. Thunder118, Grizzlies99
S h a i G i l g e o u sAlexander scored 27 points to lead Oklahoma City to another comfortable home winoverMemphis. The Thunder, who won theopenerby51points,lead the best-of-seven Western Conferenceseries2-0.Game
3 is scheduled for Thursday in Memphis. Jalen Williams added 24 points for OklahomaCity,whichnever trailed.
Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, andAlexCarusoscored13.
Jaren Jackson Jr led Memphis with 26 points while Ja Morant added 23. Jackson scored 13 of his points in the third quarter,
whentheGrizzliesoutscored theThunder27-20. Pacers123, Bucks115 Pascal Siakam and TyreseHaliburtoneachhada double-double as Indiana withstoodalaterallytobeat Milwaukee in Indianapolis for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series This traditionalsportistakingthe spotlight in Madagascar’s
capitalofAntananarivo.
Siakam had 24 points and 11 rebounds while Haliburtonhad21pointsand 12 assists for fourth-seeded Indiana,whichnevertrailed.
The best-of-seven series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday Andrew Nembhard finished with 17 points, Aaron Nesmith added 16, MylesTurner had 15 and Bennedict Mathurin scored14offthebench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led fifth-seeded Milwaukee with 34 points, 18 rebounds andsevenassists. Portis posted 28 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, Lillard added 14 points and Kyle Kuzma had 12 points. The Bucks shot 50.6 percent from the field and 40 percent (14 for 35) from beyond the arc, but committed16turnovers. (Field Level Media)
The Marian Academy auditorium was a hub of inspiration, education, and youthfulenergythisweekas
the Pele FC Alumni
Corporation, in partnership with the Lions Club,
concluded its annual
Educational Youth DevelopmentProgrammeon Wednesday
Overtwoimpactfuldays, more than 150 young athletes between the ages of 13and18gatheredtoengage in a dynamic mix of social and educational activities
geared toward personal growth and sporting excellence.
Themed “Set Goals and D e f i n e Yo u r O w n
Trajectory,” the 2025 seminar was a testament to the organisers’ commitment to shaping future leaders on andoffthefield.Participants hailed from communities across the city, including Tucville, South and North Ruimveldt, Campbellville, Buxton, Meadowbrook, Lodgeamongseveralothers. The programme aimed to
instill core values such as respect, teamwork, discipline, and educational ambition in the next generationofathletes.
Eachmorningkickedoff with hands-on workshops that encouraged active participation, followed by a series of motivational lectures delivered by influentialfigures,including tours, group tasks, and interactive sessions The young attendees benefited from practical lessons in table etiquette, self-
management,conversational skills, relationship building, and active listening, skills that extend far beyond the pitch.
Guiding the initiative were distinguished Pele Alumni members including EricSmith,LorisStoby,Ivor Carrington, and Patrick Barton. Sharing their life experiencesandprofessional journeys, the alumni emphasized the importance of education and discipline in achieving both athletic andpersonalgoals.
Group coach assisting with the handing the handing over of certificates on Wednesday
“The paramount focus remains on the children,” said Patrick Barton, a senior executiveoftheCorporation and former national footballer “We are proud of the consistent turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen over the years, and this year was no different. Our mission is to provide the youth with tools they can carry forward into their academic and sportingjourneys.”
A key highlight of the seminar was the awards segment, where outstanding participants received prizes such as laptop vouchers, drones, and educational scholarships.
Every registered participant also left with a bagofgoodies,certificateof participation and, more importantly, a wealth of
newfound knowledge and confidence.
Coach and former national footballer, Prince Johnson, also shared his admiration for the programme.“Iamextremely proud to be part of this initiative It’s more than football; it’s about empowering our youth. I hope to see other clubs and organizations adopt similar models to reach even more students,”hesaid.
The 2025 programme concludes today with a spirited inter-group football competitionscheduleforthe Farnum Ground in Subryanville, promising a fitting end to an event that has already left a lasting impression on its young participants and the wider community
‘Superman’ Sánchez begins sprint and hurdles clinic in Guyana - Minister Ramson encourages athletes, coaches to be engaged
By Rawle Toney
Over the next five days, at the National Track and Field Centre, the country’s athletes and coaches are set to be engaged in the Government of Guyanasponsoredsprintandhurdles coaching clinic, being conducted by one of the world’s greatest 400m hurdlers turned coach, Felix Sánchez.
Minister Charles Ramson Jr stating that the event is a fundamental part of the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSportfutureplans forthedevelopmentoftrack andfieldinGuyana.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist and double world champion pointed out that his first visit to Guyana was to attend last year’s AliannPompeyInvitational, “and it was quite the experience, and now, less than a year later, I’m back here and able to share with you guys; give you some of
my bits of knowledge, not onlyasacoachbutalsoasan athlete. For over 20 years, I was able to represent my country, and not only that, but follow my dreams to becomeanathlete,astudentathlete, and then an Olympian.”
“Ihopeyouguysarehere tobecomebetterathletesand better people, and to be the next inspiration for the generations who come after you.It’sabeautifulthingthat your government sees the necessity because you guys have the talent. You’re obviously diamonds in the rough that need this help, needthissupporttohelpyou grow,” Sanchez told the athletes and coaches gathered at the Edinburgh facility
According to Sanchez, “Wefindsimilarstrugglesin the Dominican Republic; lackofcompetitions,lackof international presence like our neighbors Jamaica, the
US,andBrazilhave,sotobe abletotapintothatandshare with you guys is a blessing. So, I hope you guys soak it all up—all the coaches, all the athletes—and let’s make the most of this time together.”
Meanwhile, Minister Ramson, after speaking highly of ‘Superman Sanchez,’ pointed out that the training is to help move theathletes“fromwhereyou are to becoming as great as you want to be. Now, who else can you learn from? Who else can mentor you? It’s the people who are already successful and the people who have already achieved what you are lookingtoachieve.”
“We haven’t had any gold medal winners for any sport Olympic medal w i n n e r s f o r a n y sport—come to train any athlete or any group of athletesinthiscountry,ever You have that today You
havethatforthisperiod.And this is one of the greatest of all time. And for the ones who are saying that he may be a specialist in hurdles—he’s a specialist at winning. He’s a specialist at winning. He will tell you what it took to move from even before your current position, and what kind of level of dedication, focus, intensity,andcommitmentit takes…Thesearethingsthat youcan’tlearnfromtheman onthestreet.Youcan’tlearn from the association,” MinisterRamsonsaid.
MinisterRamsontoldthe gathering of athletes, “You’regoingtocontinueto get the investment that’s needed to support your dreams, and you have the talent—orelseyouwouldn’t be here in the first place. Now is the time that you have to decide, relatively earlyinyourcareer,thatthis is something you are committed to, and you want
to see how far your talent will take you in becoming thebestthatyoucanbe.”
Minister Ramson pointed out that while the Government, through his Ministry, is making the investment in the athletes and coaches, he asked for something in return: “You have to make up your mind that you want to be a world champion and make that commitment that you’re going to pursue this all the way, as far as your talent takesyou.”
TheDominicanRepublic Ambassador to Guyana, H.E.ErnestoTorresPereyra, expressed his delight in playing a role in helping to bring Sanchez to Guyana, calling the legendary athlete a “national treasure for the RepúblicaDominicana.”
Sure! Here’s your edited version with improved grammar and flow, while keeping the original structureandtone:
Before transitioning to coaching,whereheplayeda key role in the Dominican Republic’s rise in track and field, Sánchez was widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished hurdlersinthesport.
Sánchez captured Olympic gold in the 400m hurdles at Athens 2004 and London 2012, and claimed World Championship titles inEdmonton2001andParis 2003.Healsoearnedasilver medal at the 2007 World ChampionshipsinOsaka. Born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Sánchez competed collegiately for the USC Trojans, where he wasaPac-10Championand All-Americanbeforeturning professionalin1999. Shortly before his 36th birthday, he set the Masters M35 world record in the 400m hurdles with a timeof 48.10 seconds. He retired in April2016.
Th e B e r b i c e Cricket Board (BCB) released a star-studdedU19teamahead of the start to the 2025 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U19 Inter-County 50-Over tournament which was put on hold due to the recenttorrentialrainsacross thecity
The BCB junior selection panel met recently where the opener Ramnauth was officially appointed skipper of the Ancient County squad ahead of the upcoming GCB U19 intercountytournament,whichis expected to be an intense showdown among some of thecountry’stopprospects.
Ramnauth will have the services of top youth allrounder in Matthew Pottaya as he deputy, alongside a talented core featuring a number of current national
youth players which have representedGuyanaatsome levelregionallyinthepast.
Young stars like Afraz Ali Budhoo, Sanjay Algoo, and Micah Amsterdam, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Kevin Kisten, Romesh Bharrat and others will lock horns with their Demerara and Essequibo U19
counterparts, following some passages from the inclement weather which hasforcedthepostponement of a number of ongoing competitions.
The full squad read: Rampertab Ramnauth (C), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Sanjay Algoo, Matthew Pottaya (V/C), Salim Khan,
Boyce,KevinKisten Damion Cecil, Afraz Ali Budhoo, Ari Afrizal Kadir Micah Amsterdam, Daniel Joseph Rashad Gaffur, Kumar Deopershad, RomeshBharrat
Stand-by: Romario Ramdeholl,AdilAli, Devon Wharton, Khemraj Tika, AvishkarBeharry
‘Mice’ and Jermaine Linden futsal championship Silver Shattas smash Capital FC 6-3 to waltz away with $700,000 and winner’s trophy - Omar Williams adjudged as Most Valuable Player
Promoter Dennis ‘Mice’Prince hands over the MVP Trophy and motorcycle to Omar Williams.
Silver Shattas smashed Capital FC, 6-3, be crowned the Mice and Jermaine Linden futsal tournament champions as they pocketed $700,000 and the winner’s trophy when the two teams met in the final at the Retrieve Hard Court in the miningtown.
The Shattas dominated thefinalgamewithJermaine Samuels and Jonah Simon bothnettingthrice.
The first hat-trick in this deciding match was recordedbySamuels,asthey led 5-2 at the break before Simonwhonettedabraceat that stage tucked in his third of the game which finished 6-3.
Scorers for the losing finalists who collected $500,000, were Devonte Tappin, Selwyn Barnes and OmarionRamsammy Playingforthirdposition and $200,000 were losing semifinalists Botafago ,who pummeled their way past Milerockbya10-7score.
The scores were knotted athalftimebutBotafagoled byaquadrupleofgoalsfrom OmariBrewley,atriplefrom Donovan Francis with Shamar Caesar two and Malachi Todd one, ensured ofthewin.
Tyrese Lewis with three goals and doubles by
Colwyn Drakes and Lamar McLaren, accounted for the goalsbyMilerockwhowere handed $100,000 in their losingcause.
Following the final, Omar Williams was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the final collecting a trophy and motorcycle, with Jermaine Samuels who startedthatfinalgameon13 and ended with 16 goals, beingtheTopScorer
Topp XX were handed the Most Disciplined team trophy and Patrick Seaforth theBestSupporter Sponsors of the tournament were was Bella’s Lumberyard, Babaloo’s Crown Nation Auto Sales, Scottie’s General Store, Malit Trucking, Wills Electrical, NewEraEntertainment,Sky TechElectricalandJennison Electrical.
Dennis ‘Mice’ Prince, the promoter, was on hand and presented the winners cash of $700,000 to Silver Shattas.
Themotorcycle,donated by Mallit Trucking Service and trophy, to MVP Omar Williams were also presented by Prince, who saidinSeptemberheintends to once more promote another futsal tournament, thistimeinvolvingteamsout ofGeorgetownandLinden.
- encourages athletes to focus on the positives
ByRawleToney
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, CharlesRamsonJr.,speakingtosomeofthe country's athletes who returned from this year's CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago,encouragedthemtostaythecourse, whilepledgingtheGovernmentofGuyana's continuedsupportintheirdevelopment.
Social media was in a frenzy after Guyana's largest-ever contingent to the CARIFTA Games, 42 athletes strong, wrapped up competition at the Hasely Crawford Stadium with five medals, falling short of expectations despite some standout performances.
“While as a nation we're disappointed, it doesn'tchangewhetherwearewithyouand are going to continue to support you,” Ramsonstated.
Tianna Springer's gold in the Girls' U20 400m highlighted the campaign as the only top-of-the-podiumfinishforGuyanainPortof-Spain.
Malachi Austin captured silver in the Boys' U20 400m, while Attoya Harvey claimedbronzeinthe1500m.
CARIFTA debutant Ebo McNeil earned bronze in the 3000m, while Rodel Greene
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, addressing the CARIFTAGames athletes. (Rawle Toney photo)
delivered a bronze in the Boys' U20 triple jump.
“Lifealwayshasitsupsanddowns,”the SportsMinisterhighlighted.“You'regoingto have good days. You're going to have bad days. There are lots of disappointments for athletes throughout their careers. But there are also lots of people or lots of countries experiencing the same thing. And just because you may have had a performance that didn't match our expectations… that's alsoanindicationofwhatwebelieveinyou.”
“We believe that you can achieve far more. That's why there's a level of disappointment But you are also disappointed because you believe that you couldhaveachievedfarmore.Sothat'sgood.
Continued on page 19
Acool all-round show by the Barbados batsmen and their bowlers, sealed a clinical 49-run win over Guyana yesterday, at the Coolidge CricketGround,Antigua.
Barbados, after a watchful start, did a good job to end on 209-8 by the time their overs expired, with credit going to captain Justin Parris (39), who stabilize the top and middle order, for the likes of leading runscorerKelaniClarke(17),RajeevParsooram (21) and top-scorer Seth Smith who scored 47. Lower-order contributions came from YuvrajPersaud(19)AsherBranford(18)and Zarrell Harding (15*), who helped push the Barbadostotaloverthe200-mark.
Leading wicket-taker this season, Reyaz Latifsnared3-31whileUsainFredericksallrounderBrandonHenryreturnedtwowickets apiece.
Guyana's chase ran into a huge stumbling block after losing leading scorer Lomar Seecharran (20), Nathaniel Ramsammy (30) and Shazid Ramzan (10) earlyon Brandon Henry almost pulled off a
heist with his gritty 50 from 88 balls (3x4) but Guyana had lost their way by then, crumblingforjust160alloutdespiteLatif (12) and Fredericks (17*) getting into doubledigits.
Branfordhadagreatgameashereturned to claim 3-19, while Joshua Thompson 2-35 and skipper Parris (2-25), starring in a tremendous bowling effort, which kept Guyanaatbayforthemajorityofthematch. (CR)
- T&T Legions, Bajan Pelicans to feature in second game 2025 Inaugural T20 League… Guyana Rainforest Rangers
With the opening round of the highlyanticipatedInauguralT20Leaguesettobowl off on April 25, local franchise the Guyana RainforestRangerswillmakehistoryasone offourteamstoopenthishistorictournament aspartofthedouble-header
TheLeaguewillfeaturesixteamsplaying in17matcheswithgamestakingplaceatthe Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago,withthefinalssetforMay10under lights.TheKemolSavoryledGuyanaandthe Windward Islands Infernos will open proceedings from 14:00hrs before the home team Trinidad & Tobago Legions square off
against the Barbados Pelicans in the last matchofroundone,bowlingofffrom19:00h.
The Guyanese will play their second game against the home team Legions, on April 26 from 19:00h before seeing the Jamaica Titans on April 29 in a day match whichgetsunderwayfrom14:00h.
The final two games before a possible playoff spot, will see the Rangers battling Leeward Islands Thunder on May 4 from 19:00h and a 14:00h showdown against the Barbados Pelicans on May 6, with teams lookingtobookthefinalspotsfortheMay10 finals.
Fixturesforthe2025WestIndiesBreakoutLeagueareasfollows:
25Apr2025|2:00PM|GuyanaRainforestRangersvWindwardIslandsInfernos
25Apr2025|7:00PM|Trinidad&TobagoLegionsvBarbadosPelicans
26Apr2025|2:00PM|JamaicaTitansvLeewardIslandsThunder
26Apr2025|7:00PM|Trinidad&TobagoLegionsvGuyanaRainforestRangers
29Apr2025|2:00PM|JamaicaTitansvGuyanaRainforestRangers
29Apr2025|7:00PM|BarbadosPelicansvWindwardIslandsInfernos
30Apr2025|2:00PM|Trinidad&TobagoLegionsvJamaicaTitans
30Apr2025|7:00PM|BarbadosPelicansvLeewardIslandsThunder
2May2025|2:00PM|JamaicaTitansvBarbadosPelicans
2May2025|7:00PM|LeewardIslandsThundervTrinidad&TobagoLegions
4May2025|2:00PM|WindwardIslandsInfernosvTrinidad&TobagoLegions
4May2025|7:00PM|GuyanaRainforestRangersvLeewardIslandsThunder
6May2025|2:00PM|BarbadosPelicansvGuyanaRainforestRangers
6May2025|7:00PM|JamaicaTitansvWindwardIslandsInfernos
7May2025|7:00PM|LeewardIslandsThundervWindwardIslandsInfernos Playoffs
9May2025|7:00PM|Playoff–2ndplacevs3rdPlace
10May2025|7:00PM|Final–1stplacevswinnerofPlayoff
400m Olympic and World Champion, Felix